HIV Rapid Testing Algorithm
At least 50 µL of whole blood from the 2 ml vacutainer was used for HIV rapid testing in the household while the remaining volume from the 2 ml tube was used for re-testing at the NRL in accordance with quality assurance procedures. Only the 2 ml tube was used for HIV rapid testing, while the 9 mL blood tube was used for archiving the sample and for additional testing.
Rapid HIV testing was performed using Determine HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab Combo and Uni-Gold HIV Test, following a modified version of the national testing algorithm [Figure 2]. In an effort to identify acute HIV infections, the Determine Combo test was used which detects both HIV antibody and p24 antigen, the latter being a marker of acute infection. Pre and post counseling for HIV testing was conducted according to national HIV testing and counseling guidelines.
SHIMS Testing Algorithm
References:
UNAIDS. Global Report: UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic. Geneva: UNAIDS; 2010.